I landed, but it was a close call.

How I almost missed my perfect landing.

I thought I was grooving along and doing all the right things in my job search 'cause I was getting interviews, good feedback and moving through the process fairly well. I was embracing the three surprises I found during my job search and now want to share a couple of regrets I'd totally do differently if I could.

1) Don't go it alone. I waited too long to let others help me. If you were RIF'd chances are your company paid for a career counseling service. I waited a while to take advantage of it and looking back I wish I'd started using the service right away. There were so many great resources available from the typical resume update advice you'd expect but also extra goodies like continuing education, access to company org charts with contact info and an actual coach I could reach out to for any random questions about my journey. If a career counseling service isn't offered to you, find your local networking group. They usually offer most of the same resources at no cost to you.

2) Don't stop your search. This is where I almost crashed and burned. I was interviewing with a company who was moving fast to hire and had another one waiting for corporate approval to make me an offer, so I did the dumb thing and lightened up my search. That is exactly when my perfect opportunity was posted, and I didn't see it. Thankfully, my network had my back and a guardian angel brought it to my attention. Otherwise, I would totally still be in the hunt because guess what -- those other 'sure things' ultimately fell through.

I am so very grateful for that friend having my back. I just finished the first week at my new job and am very grateful for landing where I did. I am grateful for all I have learned about myself during this journey and that I didn't choose to go it alone. I am grateful for all the new contacts and connections I've made, all the former coworkers and friends I've reconnected with and look forward to helping others land too.